5 Signs That Your Child Is Lactose Intolerant

With an estimated 1 in 10 children being lactose intolerant, back-to-school meals and snacks can put parents to the test. “Many parents may not recognize the symptoms of lactose intolerance in their kids, often mistaking digestive complaints as illness or food avoidance as their kids ‘being picky,’” says Ashley Koff, R.D., celebrity dietician and author of a new book Mom Energy. To help, Koff offers five signs that could mean a child is lactose intolerant:

“If you suspect your child is lactose intolerant, you should talk to your pediatrician before making any dietary changes for a complete evaluation,” Koff adds. The good news, according to Koff, is that there are delicious, better quality dairy options that are lactose-free and gluten free, like lactose free yogurt, kefir and sour cream, to use as simple swaps and versatile recipe ingredients in kids’ mealtime favorites.